Arusha National Park safaris, tours & holiday packages
A diversity of habitats
This is where you can find a volcanic mountain, craters, forest and blue-and-green lakes turned pink by thousands of flamingos
Arusha National Park is just north of the bustling town that shares its name, and it's a great little park to visit if you arrive on an early morning flight; the entrance gate is between Kilimanjaro International Airport and the town, so you can get straight into your safari from the airport. Overnighting closer to the park is an even better idea, with Hatari Lodge and Shangazi House being good choices.
The park has three main attractions, Mount Meru and the Meru Crater, Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momela lakes. Arusha National Park is also the place on Tanzania's northern safari circuit where the energetic black-and-white colobus monkeys are easiest to see.
Popular Arusha National Park safaris
These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
Tanzania Affordable Calving Season with HerdTracker
Few things compare to watching a wildebeest calf take off soon after birth.
$ 6,185
£ 4,867
R 90,076
€ 5,431
per person
9 daysTanzania June/July Great Migration safari with HerdTracker
Explore the wonder of the great wildebeest migration from the best Tanzania has to offer
$ 5,720
£ 4,501
R 83,304
€ 5,023
per person
9 daysTanzania migration safari with HerdTracker
Join HerdTracker on a Tanzania migration safari in the Serengeti National Park.
$ 8,150
£ 6,413
R 118,693
€ 7,157
per person
9 daysFebruary Calving Season Safari in Tanzania
Visit Tanzania during the calving season to see wildebeest calves join the massive herds making their way through the Serengeti for the great migration.
$ 7,595
£ 5,976
R 110,610
€ 6,670
per person
9 daysTwo Peak Challenge: Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro
Summit two of Tanzania's iconic mountain ranges in under two weeks
$ 3,370
£ 2,652
R 49,079
€ 2,959
per person
13 days
“Arusha National Park is a great start to any safari; if you have an extra day or even half a day, it's better to visit the park than waste time in town. I wouldn't end a safari here but certainly recommend it as a starting point, or even climbing Meru.”
More on Arusha National Park holidays
The park is dominated by Meru Crater and the summit of Mount Meru in the west. Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,566 metres above sea level, and serious climbers use it as preparation for climbing Kilimanjaro.
Ngurdoto Crater towards the south-east is open savannah and this is where most of the wildlife is found – big buffalo herds, giraffe and if you go out early in the morning or late in the afternoon you might even be lucky enough to bump into spotted hyena or leopard.
In the north-eastern part of the park are the Momela lakes – water-filled craters that attract flamingo and other water birds. From the north-eastern side of Mount Meru, you also have great views of Mount Kilimanjaro towards the east when the clouds lift.
Arusha National Park Map
Arusha National Park's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Arusha National Park
The best time to visit Arusha National Park is from June to October, during the dry season. It is easier to spot the wildlife - since they normally gather around the waterholes, rainfall is minimal, vegetation is not too thick and mosquitos… go there.
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Reviews on our Arusha National Park safaris
All details were covered, all staff and food excellent, service was perfect - would highly recommend for sure.
Ron
from United States of America
Excellent combination of calling to chat about plans and details, followed up with emailing of detailed information. Made all arrangements easy for us from the actual booking to payment procedures, exchange rate recommendations, visa advice,…
Saldrix
from South Africa
Two male lions tried to take on an older female lion. The alpha male recently died and they were trying to take over his pride. The female lion was having none of it and while the males tried to tag team her; she swatted her massive paw at…
Kay Oczkowski
from United States of America
Waking up at 5:00 am to a bumpy ride all the way to a hidden hyena den, was something I’ll never forget. But the absolute best part was when the 1 month old cub peeked his head out to say hello. It was heartbreakingly cute.
Alana Krutoyarsky
from United States of America
I wish to say thanks to Megan for all your assistance in ensuring that me and my wife enjoy a wonderful holiday, a nice stay at the hotel with just minor issues, and the Hluhluwe Imfolozi park tour. We just wish to pass our gratitude for all…
Mokatse Itumeleng
from South Africa
It was great to work with Discover Africa and thanks so much for your help.
Lisa and Niall Shapiro
from Australia
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